Newspaper accounts of avalanche accidents from the 1860s through 1950 have been compiled, summarized, and discussed. Many of the avalanches that caused fatalities came down rather small, innocuous-looking paths. Land use planners can use historical avalanche information as a reminder of the power of snow avalanches and to assure rational development in the future.

Newspaper accounts of avalanche accidents from the 1860s through 1950 have been compiled, summarized, and discussed. Many of the avalanches that caused fatalities came down rather small, innocuous-looking paths. Land use planners can use historical avalanche information as a reminder of the power of snow avalanches and to assure rational development in the future.

Avalanches, the "snowy torrents" that haunt North America's mountains, put skiers, snowboarders and mountaineers increasingly in harm's way. The authors, leading authorities in the field, explain both the scientific reasons and social impact of avalanches in North America. In this book they answer many questions, including how to recognize avalanche terrain and how to evaluate conditions that lead to stable or unstable snow.